Few people get to experience the ocean like divers. We, of course, love all marine creatures, from the smallest fish to the enormous blue whale. But for many of us, sharks occupy a special place They affect the health and balance of all ocean ecosystems — from helping keep coral reefs healthy by cycling nutrients, removing invasive species and indirectly preventing overgrazing of important seagrass beds by acting as a check on forage species. Plus, they’re just plain beautiful to watch.

Submitted By Michael Timm, Independent Contributor

So, while reading California Diver’s April 2 article “New Sustainable Shark Trade Bill Introduced in Congress Aims To Prevent Overfishing, Unsustainable Trade,” I was happy to see that increased attention is finally being paid to these important predators. As divers, we know firsthand the extremely critical roles sharks play in maintaining balanced ocean ecosystems, as well as healthy populations of commercially and recreationally important fish species.

sharks play an important role in maintaining balanced ocean ecosystems

However, in the article, Dr. Hueter mentions the new bill builds upon the previously introduced Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act, which would ban the sale of shark fins in the United States. However, I would argue these two bills address different issues and accomplish different things, and that a national ban on shark fins is an important goal.

It is true that shark finning is already prohibited in U.S. waters, however our country still indirectly supports this barbaric practice by allowing the trade, specifically the import, of fins. The demand for fins is one of the greatest threats to shark populations worldwide, much like the demand for ivory has jeopardized African elephant populations. In fact, it’s estimated the fins from up to 73 million sharks end up in the global market every year.

That is why I support the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act (H.R. 1456), and encourage my fellow divers to do so as well. This bill is a simple and cost-effective step that will remove the United States from the fin trade entirely. It would also have economic impacts for dive businesses. Shark-based tourism, which depends on healthy shark populations, is a lucrative and rapidly growing industry in the U.S. as more and more divers recognize the beauty and awe of swimming with these magnificent creatures. A report released last year found shark-related dives just in one state – Florida — generated more than $200 million and fueled over 3,700 jobs in 2016. California dive shops also reap the economic benefits of shark tourism. It’s clear that a reduction in shark populations in U.S. waters could hurt us both ecologically and economically. A national ban on the trade of shark fins would remove the U.S. from the fin trade altogether, improve upon current enforcement capabilities, and reinforce the status of the United States as a leader in shark conservation.

We would also join a growing international movement. Supporters of shark fin bans include over 500 U.S. businesses and organizations, 40 airlines, 20 major shipping companies, 12 U.S. states (including California), nine aquariums and multiple recreational fishing interests. Both the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association have publicly endorsed this bill.

A national ban on the trade of shark fins would remove the U.S. from the fin trade altogether

A national ban on the trade of shark fins would remove the U.S. from the fin trade altogether, improve upon current enforcement capabilities, and reinforce the status of the United States as a leader in shark conservation. And we would join a growing international movement. Supporters of shark fin bans include over 500 U.S. businesses and organizations, 40 airlines, 20 major shipping companies, 12 U.S. states (including California), nine aquariums and multiple recreational fishing interests.

To protect sharks, we need to end the demand for shark fins, starting here at home. Fellow divers, and anyone who depends on a healthy ocean, I urge you to contact your representatives and tell them to support the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act (H.R. 1456). It’s time for the United States to do the right thing by protecting the hundreds of jobs and businesses that rely on healthy shark populations by banning the trade of shark fins in the U.S.

By Michael Timm
Independent Contributor
SSI Instructor Trainer #56456
SSI Freediving Instructor
PADI IDC Staff Instructor #908546
PADI Freediving Instructor

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